Telangana Steps Up Implementation of Praja Palana Initiative with Farmer-Focused Events

Hyderabad: State Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has called for rigorous enforcement of the Praja Palana programme's 99-day action plan across Telangana, issuing directives during a video conference that included Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, district collectors, and senior officials.

The minister underscored the need for comprehensive execution of all programme components, announcing that Rythu Utsavams will be held from May 4 to May 9. These events are designed to enhance farmers' understanding of contemporary agricultural practices.

The week-long initiative will feature multiple interventions. On May 4, soil sample collection will commence, followed by personalised crop recommendations to farmers based on laboratory findings. The next day will spotlight horticulture and oilseed cultivation, with emphasis on diversifying crop portfolios. May 6 will focus on educating farmers about crop financing options and market access, while May 7 will showcase agricultural drone technology and solar energy schemes. Livestock and fisheries sectors will receive attention on May 8, with canal maintenance activities scheduled for May 9.

Addressing paddy production forecasts, Nageswara Rao projected output at 141 lakh metric tonnes for the current season, with the government targeting procurement of 90 lakh metric tonnes. The state currently operates 8,575 procurement centres. He also highlighted that Rs. 581.72 crore has already been disbursed to farmers under the minimum support price scheme. Officials have been instructed to monitor logistics infrastructure, transportation networks, labour accessibility, and meteorological patterns to prevent operational disruptions.

Employment guarantee initiatives received significant attention during the review. The minister directed officials to strengthen labour recruitment efforts and investigate underperforming zones to guarantee employment availability across all villages. Worksites must provide essential amenities including potable water and medical assistance. Each gram panchayat is required to identify at least 20 labour-intensive projects, with supervisory personnel deployed to track attendance and work output.

On grievance management, the minister mandated that Prajavani applications be resolved within 30 days, with proper documentation and portal updates. Submission centres should facilitate visitor access and provide necessary support infrastructure.

The review also encompassed preparations for the NEET examination scheduled for later this month. Officials will enforce strict compliance with examination protocols, implementing biometric attendance systems and prohibiting electronic devices in test centres. Enhanced security measures include CCTV surveillance of examination venues and secure question paper logistics. Medical personnel will be stationed at centres, with continuous power supply ensured and accessibility provisions made for candidates with disabilities.

In parallel, officials confirmed that Census 2027 house listing operations will commence on May 11 and continue through June 9, with self-enumeration activities concluding by May 10. Public information campaigns will support the census process.